Featured on the Blog

Jolene is a flutist and teacher in Austin, Texas, specializing in techniques to enhance awareness and ease for musicians, as well as methods to overcome performance anxiety and encourage free music-making. She earned a Master of Music degree from the Florida State University, where she was a graduate teaching assistant in the studio of Eva Amsler, and instructed music majors in a variety of capacities. Jolene teaches flute lessons in Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock, Texas, and internationally via Skype. Click here to learn more about lessons!

Jolene is the author of Practice Room Revelations Blog, documenting experiences in self-improvement, practicing with intention, and teaching with awareness.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING...

Testimonials

“Jolene has re-ignited my love for playing the flute!! Picking this instrument back up after a hiatus of 30 years was scary. I lacked confidence in my abilities to be able to even play again. Jolene has taught me completely different ways to approach my practice time. She taught me how to relax and become in tune with my entire body, from my head down to my feet. This process of body mapping made a huge difference in how relaxed I am when I am playing. Her sweet and subtle ways to have me make corrections and suggestions is a true gift that not many instructors have. I have learned to let go of my old habits from decades ago and am learning a new, relaxed way of play! She has a strong ability to pick up on things that need changed, tweaked and improved. Her attention to detail and passion for flute playing is amazing! And the convenience of not having to leave my home is immeasurable. We have wonderfully fun, engaging and productive lessons, even though we are a thousand miles apart. Anyone considering Skype lessons will not be disappointed by choosing Jolene as their teacher!”

- Veronica H., Illinois

"After a great deal of research and observing her videos, I immediately knew Jolene was the teacher for me. As a retired Band/Orchestra director and former Principal Flutist for FCLO for over fifteen years, I was practicing a great deal but my technique, tone, and vibrancy showed no improvement. Add to that an unsuccessful shoulder replacement and previous accident that shattered my foot left me in a great deal of pain while I practiced. I was unable to hold my flute for no more than an hour. After viewing and listening to Jolene I made the decision, downloaded Skype, and dove in.

Jolene immediately addressed my pain issues and corrected my posture. After just one lesson, my flute sound had improved. Her lessons are so thorough and organized, and she has a marvelous "Skeleton man" to assist in understanding the importance of balance to acquire freedom to breathe and play expressively. I'm now playing better than I ever have in my life and enjoy my daily practice again, PAIN FREE.

I accomplish more in less time during my daily practice but I'm now able to practice longer and enjoy it so much more. My tone is beautiful and getting better daily and technique is becoming easy and improving at a remarkable pace. Just for fun I decided to pull out some orchestral excerpts and was amazed how easy they were to play. I've studied with principal flutists from major orchestras but never experienced such rapid achievement and improvement. Jolene is a marvelous instructor who teaches with a positive attitude and encouragement. I look forward to my weekly lessons. Thank you for giving me back my love of music Jolene, you're the BEST."

- Wanda Atchison, Arizona

"I found Jolene on Instagram. Inspired by her colorful posts and theories about flute playing, I emailed her about my flute stories. Within couple of hours, I got a very long and genuine reply from her. And that's how I started having Skype lessons with her.

I never tried Skype lessons and never thought this would work. But Jolene knows a lot of "tricks" that helped me to understand her easier. We often spend a great amount of time discussing the philosophy and the mindset of flute playing, those ideas are very refreshing and inspiring to me, and it has made a great impact to my flute playing.

Jolene is a creative artist and experienced flutist. I absolutely adore her color coding systems and her "color imaginary" theory while playing the flute. It helps me to focus more on the music itself rather than struggling with the techniques. She always encourages me to be bold and confident, and she will recommend me materials that can help me strengthen my technical weaknesses.

It's always a blast to have Skype lessons with her. I absolutely recommend Jolene as a teacher!"

- Xiao Cui, New York, NY

"Jolene exceeded my expectations right from the first few Skype lessons. I didn't think so much could be done! She is able to notice the differences in the sound I make when I use different techniques, and even hear when I add a slight vibrato to highlight a note. She was able to fix a finger positioning problem I had, and also taught me a more comfortable way to hold the flute. All done from thousands of miles away! If you ever find yourself unsure of whether flute lessons can work remotely, give Jolene a try."

- Lucio, Brazil

"I have had several lessons with Jolene via Skype over the last couple of months and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She creates a feeling of safe space that means I feel confident to play and to discuss the areas I feel are not working for me. Jolene is extremely knowledgeable and always has strategies at hand to aid me in improving the various elements of my playing that I am focusing on. She has a broad knowledge of helpful resources and exercises and is generous in sharing information. I can honestly say that I have come away from every lesson have learnt something tangible that has had a positive impact on my playing. I would highly recommend that anyone thinking about Skype lessons just go ahead and book the trial lesson now!"